Horse racing game

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a horse racing board game comprising a collapsible game board having a race track and photo-finish photos superimposed thereon. The race track comprises a plurality of lanes, each of the plurality of lanes divided into a plurality of move spaces. The horse racing board game further comprises a plurality of colored game pieces, a plurality of colored player markers, a plurality of atypical dice having multiple sizes with each side having a different color, and a typical six-sided die. A method for playing the horse racing board game is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application to Michael Smolka entitled “HORSE RACING GAME”, Ser. No. 61/497,445, filed Jun. 15, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present application relates generally to games for amusement and entertainment. More particularly, the present application relates to a horse racing board game and method of play for the same.

2. State of the Art

Board games are a popular source of recreation and entertainment for young and old alike, and have been so for many years. The popularity of board games may result from allowing friends and family members to spend time together while playing the game, or from the fun that the games themselves provide to the players and observers, or from a combination of these and other factors. Often, the board games allow players to “pretend” that they are attending and/or participating in certain events, such as, for example, sporting events. Sporting events that have been the subject of board games have included, for example, baseball games, football games, soccer games, basketball games, automotive races, and horse races. These board games can allow participants to simulate the environment of the various sporting events, pretend that they are a participant, and feel like they are a real part of the competition. Accordingly, such board games offer a fun, competitive activity in which friends, family members, and other participants can engage.

As noted above, one example of such a sporting event that has been the subject of board games is horse racing. Various games simulating a horse race have been proposed wherein a game board is provided having a race track printed thereon with the track lanes divided into increments. Game pieces simulating horses are also provided which are movable on the game board incrementally depending upon the roll of numbered dice, such as, for example, typical 6-sided dice. Each player has a respective game piece and, in turn, rolls a die or dice to determine how many increments his or her game piece can be advanced around the track. The player whose game piece crosses the finish line first wins the game. At times, two players' game pieces will land at the finish line but not cross the line; therefore, the next roll of the die or dice by one of the two players next in turn will determine the winner.

While these horse race games have been satisfactory for their intended purpose, such games may become monotonous after some time. More specifically, conventional board horse race games are predictable in terms of their design, the components used for play (such as, for example, a typical six-sided die), and method of play. Furthermore, conventional board horse race games lack liveliness and offer a very limited range of possible outcomes available in each player's turn. Finally, many typical horse race board games are deterministic, leaving little to no discretion in the hands of the players regarding how game pieces in the board game are advanced around the board.

Accordingly, there is a need for a horse racing board game that may prevent the horse racing board game from becoming monotonous after some time and may be able to add excitement and variety to the horse racing board game in both its design elements and method of play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a horse race board game, and method for playing same, to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein by eliminating the monotonous, deterministic and predictable nature of horse racing board games by means and methods for adding further excitement, uncertainty, anticipation and variety to the horse race board game.

The horse race game of the present invention comprises a collapsible game board having a simulated race track superimposed thereon with the track lanes divided into increments and including photos superimposed on the game board to assist in resolving a “photo-finish.” The horse race game further comprises a plurality of game pieces simulating horses provided to the players, atypical dice having multiple sizes with each side having a different color, and a typical six-sided die. A method for playing the horse race game of the present invention is also provided.

A plurality of game pieces simulating horses are provided to the players and are movable around the track incrementally depending upon a roll of various atypical dice by each player, in turn. The dice used to move the horses around the track are multi-sided, with each side having a different color. Game pieces simulating horses are moved a number of increments around the track based on the color showing on each die, the relative size of each die, and based on decisions within the discretion of the player associated with each game piece. To determine the winner of the game in the event of a photo-finish, a simulated photo-finish camera and simulated photo-finish photos are provided superimposed on the game board representing the range of possible photo-finish outcomes. The simulated photo-finish photos consists of a plurality of horse necks and heads, with each photo showing a different horses “winning”, “placing” and “showing.” The final photo-finish winner is determined by selecting a specific simulated photo-finish photo corresponding to the result of the role of a typical six-sided die.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a horse racing board game, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a top plan view of game dice, player pieces and player markers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an enlarged portion of a horse racing board game including markers indicating the position of various game pieces, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of game dice after the roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top plan view of game dice after the roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates a top plan view of game dice after the roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2E illustrates a top plan view of game dice after the roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top plan view of an enlarged portion of a horse racing board game including markers indicating the position of various game pieces after a roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top plan view of an enlarged portion of a horse racing board game including markers indicating the position of various game pieces after a roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top plan view of game dice after the roll of the game dice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an enlarged portion of a horse racing board game including markers indicating the position of various game pieces in the “final stretch”, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top plan view of an enlarged portion of a horse racing board game including markers indicating the position of various game pieces during a photo finish, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of game dice after the roll of the game dice during a photo finish, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C illustrates a top plan view of an enlarged portion of a horse racing board game including photographs used to determine the winners during a photo finish, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6F generally illustrate a method of playing the horse racing board game, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a horse racing board game and method for playing the same.

Referring to the drawings and, more particularly to FIG. 1A, the horse race game of the present invention comprises a planar game board 100. In the present embodiment of the present invention, planar game board 100 comprises a coated poly sheet that can be rolled up for storage. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, planar game board 100 is made of alternate materials such as, for example, cardboard or fiber, and may be collapsible or foldable for storage. In still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, planar game board 100 is rigid and non-collapsible or foldable.

In the present embodiment, planar game board 100 comprises various items visible on its top surface. These items comprise a racetrack 110, an infield area 150, and outer area 160, and a photo-finish camera 170, and a photo-finish chart 140. In the present embodiment, racetrack 110, infield area 150, outer area 160, photo-finish camera 170 and photo-finish chart 140 are illustrations painted, printed or screened onto the surface of planar game board 100. In the present embodiment, racetrack 110 comprises multiple lanes 1-8, each of which is divided into multiple increments 109. In the present embodiment, racetrack 110 further comprises a starting gate 120 and a finish line 130. Starting gate 120 comprises multiple starting gate positions 121-128, each of which corresponds to an adjacent increment 109 for lanes 1-8, respectively. It should be appreciated that although the present embodiment includes 8 lanes 1-8 and corresponding starting gate positions 121-128, alternate embodiments of the invention could include more or few lanes and corresponding starting gate positions. In the present embodiment, infield area 150 comprises illustrations of trees, a scoreboard, and other scenery typical of the infield of a horse race track. Outer area 160 comprises illustrations of trees and other scenery typical of the outer area of a horse race track.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the horse race game of the present invention further comprises at least 1 multi-sided die. In the present embodiment of the invention, three large eight-sided dice 181, each an octahedron with each face of the octahedron including a different color, are provided. These large eight-sided dice 181 are hereinafter referred to as the “large colored dice.” In the present embodiment, the faces of the large colored dice 181 include the colors white, blue, yellow, red, brown, pink, black and green. The present embodiment further provides for five additional small eight-sided dice 182 that are each smaller than the large eight-sided dice. These small eight-sided dice 182 are hereinafter referred to as the “small colored dice.” Each face of each of the small colored dice 182 includes a different color, corresponding to the colors of the faces of the large colored dice 181. In the present embodiment, the faces of the small colored dice 182 include the colors white, blue, yellow, red, brown, pink, black and green. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments of the invention, colors other than the colors of the present embodiment may be included on the faces of the large colored dice 181 and small colored dice 182. The present embodiment still further provides for one typical six-sided die 183.

Referring again to FIG. 1B, the horse race game of the present invention further comprises player pieces 190. In the present embodiment, player pieces 190 are molded plastic pieces formed into the shape of a horse. Each player piece 190 includes coloring corresponding to one of the colors present on at least one of the large colored dice 181 and small colored dice 182. Each player piece 190 is formed with a base such that each player piece 190 may be placed and stand upright on the surface of the planar game board 100. Each player piece 190 is further formed such that each player piece 190, when placed upright on an increment 109 on the racetrack 110, fits within the increment 109 without portions of the increment 109 extending into other adjacent increments 109.

Referring again to FIG. 1B, the horse race game of the present invention further comprises player markers 195. In the present invention, player markers 195 are discs, with each disc 195 including a color corresponding to one of the colors present on at least one of the large colored dice 181, small colored dice 182 and player pieces 190. Player markers 195 are placed on or near the player game board 100 to help identify which color or colors are associated with each of the players of the game.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a top plan view of an enlarged portion of racetrack 110 is generally illustrated showing player pieces 190 placed on the surface of racetrack 110 in the location of starting gate 120. Each player piece 190 has been placed in a specific increment 109 in a starting gate position 121-128 of starting gate 120 based on the results of the roll of one large colored die 181 and one small colored die 182. In the present embodiment, the starting gate position 121 that is closest to the infield area 150 is in lane 1, and is designated as lane 1 by having the number 1 printed in starting gate position 121 of starting gate 120. The starting gate positions 122-128 are in lanes 2-8, respectively, and designated as lanes 2-8, respectively (moving outward from the infield area 150 toward the outfield area 160) by having the numbers 2-8, respectively, printed in starting gate positions 122-128.

The initial location of each player piece 190 is determined by simultaneously rolling one large colored die 181 and one small colored die 182. On the initial roll of the dice, the player piece 190 having the color corresponding to the color matching that showing on the large colored die 181 is placed in starting gate position 121 of starting gate 120. The player piece 190 having the color corresponding to the color matching that showing on the small colored die 182 is placed in starting gate position 122 of starting gate 120. The dice 181 and 182 are rolled again to determine which player pieces 190 will occupy starting gate positions 123 and 124, and so on until all players have placed a player piece 190 in a starting gate position. FIGS. 2B-2E generally illustrate the respective rolls of dice 181 and 182 that would have resulted in the assignment of player pieces 190 to starting gates 121-128 generally illustrated in FIG. 2 a.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the initial roll of one large die 181 and one small die 182 resulted in the large die 181 showing the color red on its upper surface and the small die 182 showing the color black on its upper surface. As a result, the player piece 190 including the color red is shown placed in starting gate position 121 and the player piece 190 including the color black is shown placed in starting gate position 122 of FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the second roll of one large die 181 and one small die 182 resulted in the large die 181 showing the color green on its upper surface and the small die 182 showing the color white on its upper surface. As a result, the player piece 190 including the color green is shown placed in starting gate position 123 and the player piece 190 including the color white is shown placed in starting gate position 124 of FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2D, the third roll of one large die 181 and one small die 182 resulted in the large die 181 showing the color pink on its upper surface and the small die 182 showing the color yellow on its upper surface. As a result, the player piece 190 including the color pink is shown placed in starting gate position 125 and the player piece 190 including the color yellow is shown placed in starting gate position 126 of FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the fourth roll of one large die 181 and one small die 182 resulted in the large die 181 showing the color brown on its upper surface and the small die 182 showing the color blue on its upper surface. As a result, the player piece 190 including the color brown is shown placed in starting gate position 127 and the player piece 190 including the color blue is shown placed in starting gate position 128 of FIG. 2A. By completing the actions as described above and generally illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E, player pieces 190 have been loaded into the starting gate positions 121-128 of starting gate 120, and the game is configured to begin the race.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, top plan views of an enlarged portion of racetrack 110 are generally illustrated showing player pieces 190 placed on the surface of racetrack 110 during game play. Each player piece 190 has been placed in a specific increment 109 on racetrack 110 based on the results of the roll of the game dice 181 and 182. In the present embodiment, each player piece 190 has been placed in a specific increment 109 on racetrack 110 based on the results of the roll of three large colored dice 181 and five small colored dice 182. In the present embodiment, players roll the game dice 181 and 182, and then evaluate the results showing on the game dice 181 and 182 to determine how many increments 109 they may move each of their game pieces 190. Players first evaluate the results on the large colored dice 181, followed by the results on the small colored dice 182, moving their player pieces 190 up to five increments 109 for each large colored die 181 showing a color matching the color of that player's piece 190, and up to three increments 109 for each small colored die 182 showing a color matching the color of that player's piece 190. Players complete all movement associated with the results showing on the large colored dice 181 before completing any movement associated with the results showing on the small colored dice 182.

The order in which players move their individual player piece 190 is determining the order of the player pieces 190 from trailing to leading, and proceeding by moving trailing player pieces 190 first, ending with the leading player piece 190. Determination of the order of player pieces 190, including identification of which player pieces 190 are trailing and which is leading, differs based on whether the player pieces 190 are located on a straight stretch 102 or a turn 106. On a straight stretch 102, the trailing player piece 190 is that trailing piece 190 that is farthest from the end of the straight stretch 102 on which that player piece 190 is located. If multiple player pieces 190 are located equidistant from the end of the straight stretch 102, the trailing player piece 190 is the one closest to the outer area 160. On a turn 106, the trailing player piece 190 is determined based on the distance of the player pieces 190 in the turn 106 from the start of the turn 106, beginning with the increment 109 in which the player piece 190 is located, and counting increments 109 in the current lane of the player piece 190 only.

Players are not required to move the total number of increments 109 to which they are entitled based on the roll of the dice 181 and 182. When moving player pieces 190 based on the results shown on game dice 181 and 182, players are not permitted to move player pieces 190 backwards. On a straight stretch 102, a backwards move is a single-space move that places a player piece 190 farther from the end of the straight stretch 102. On a turn 102, a backwards move is a single-space move that places a player piece 190 on an increment 109 that results in there being a greater number of increments 109 to the end of the turn 102 than the number of increments 109 to the end of the turn prior to the single-space move. If a player is unable to move his player piece 190 onto an unoccupied increment 109 other than by moving backwards, that player forfeits for that turn any remaining increments 109 to which it would otherwise have been entitled for that particular size of dice 181 or 182.

Referring to FIG. 3C., an example initial roll of the three large colored dice 181 and five small colored dice 182 is depicted in which the large colored dice 181 are showing the colors yellow, blue and red, and in which the small colored dice 182 are showing the colors brown, yellow, green and black (2 are showing black). As a result, the player pieces 190 have been moved from their initial positions at the starting gate 120, as depicted in FIG. 2A, to the positions generally illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The blue player piece 190, which would have initially been the trailing horse in FIG. 2A (since all player pieces were equidistant from the finish line, and the blue player piece 190 occupied the increment 109 closest to the outfield area 160), would have moved first. Referring first to the large colored dice 181 in FIG. 3C, blue player piece 190 is shown in FIG. 3A having moved forward five increments 109 within its row 8 because one large die 181 is showing blue. As noted above, the player responsible for blue player piece 190 could have elected to move fewer than five increments 109.

Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 2A, is the brown player piece 190. Referring again to the large colored dice 181, no brown color is shown. As a result, the player responsible for brown player piece 190 would not move five increments 109, but would instead wait to see if the results of the roll of the small colored dice 182 would permit any movement. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 2A, is the yellow player piece 190. Referring again to the large colored dice 181, yellow player piece 190 is shown in FIG. 3A having moved forward five increments 109 within its row 6 because one large die 181 is showing yellow. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 2A, is the pink player piece 190. Referring again to the large colored dice 181, no pink color is shown. As a result, the player responsible for pink player piece 190 would not move five increments 109, but would instead wait to see if the results of the roll of the small colored dice 182 would permit any movement. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 2A, is the white player piece 190. Referring again to the large colored dice 181, no white color is shown. As a result, the player responsible for white player piece 190 would not move five increments 109, but would instead wait to see if the results of the roll of the small colored dice 182 would permit any movement. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 2A, is the green player piece 190. Referring again to the large colored dice 181, no green color is shown. As a result, the player responsible for green player piece 190 would not move five increments 109, but would instead wait to see if the results of the roll of the small colored dice 182 would permit any movement. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 2A, is the black player piece 190. Referring again to the large colored dice 181, no black color is shown. As a result, the player responsible for black player piece 190 would not move five increments 109, but would instead wait to see if the results of the roll of the small colored dice 182 would permit any movement. Referring one final time again to the large colored dice 181, red player piece 190 is shown in FIG. 3A having moved forward five increments 109 within its row 1 because one large die 181 is showing red. This completes the movement in this turn associated with the colors showing on the large colored dice 181.

Referring next to FIG. 3B, the position of the player pieces 190 on racetrack 110 is generally illustrated after completion of moves associated with the colors showing on small colored dice 182 in FIG. 3C. The brown player piece 190, which would have been the trailing horse in FIG. 3B (of the remaining trailing pieces, it was the piece occupying the increment 109 closest to the outfield area 160), would have moved first. Referring first to the small colored dice 182, brown player piece 190 is shown in FIG. 3B having moved forward three increments 109 within its row 7 because one small die 182 is showing brown. As noted above, the player responsible for brown player piece 190 could have elected to move fewer than three increments 109.

Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A, is the pink player piece 190. Referring again to the small colored dice 182, no pink color is shown. As a result, because this is the first turn of the game, the player responsible for pink player piece 190 is shown having moved pink player piece 190 forward one increment 109. Had this not been the first turn of the game, the player responsible for pink player piece 190 would not have been permitted to move pink player piece 190 any increments. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A, is the white player piece 190. Referring again to the small colored dice 182, no white color is shown. As a result, because this is the first turn of the game, the player responsible for white player piece 190 is shown having moved white player piece 190 forward one increment 109. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A, is the green player piece 190. Referring first to the small colored dice 182, green player piece 190 is shown in FIG. 3B having moved forward three increments 109 within its row 3 because one small die 182 is showing green. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A, is the black player piece 190. Referring first to the small colored dice 182, black player piece 190 is shown in FIG. 3B having moved forward six increments 109 within its row 2 because two small die 182 are showing black. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A is the blue player piece 190. Referring to the small colored dice 182, no blue color is shown. As a result, blue player piece 190 is shown having moved no additional increments 109 in FIG. 3B. Movement proceeds to the next trailing player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A is the yellow player piece 190. Referring to the small colored dice 182, yellow player piece 190 is shown having moved forward two increments 109 in FIG. 3B. Movement proceeds to the final player piece 190, which, referring to FIG. 3A is red player piece 190. Referring to the small colored dice 182 of FIG. 3C, no red color is shown. As a result, red player piece 190 is shown having moved no additional increments 109 in FIG. 3B. As noted above, FIG. 3B illustrates the results of the first turn after the players have moved player pieces 190 based on the results showing on the dice 181 and 182. Play continues in this fashion until there is a disqualification, a winner of the race, or a photo finish. Referring again to FIG. 3B, the order of the player pieces 190 (identified by color) from leading (1st place) to trailing (last place) at the end of the first turn is as follows: Yellow (1^(st) or leading), Black (2^(nd)), Red (3^(th)), Blue (4^(th)), Green (5^(th)), Brown (6^(th)), White (7^(th)) and Pink (8^(th) or trailing).

Referring to FIG. 4, a top plan view of an enlarged portion of racetrack 110 generally illustrating player pieces 190 located on the final stretch 107 in a situation in which some player pieces 190 are disqualified. If any player piece 190 completes a circuit of racetrack 110 and crosses onto straight stretch 102 for the second time (also referred to as final stretch 107), any other player pieces remaining on straight stretch 102 that have not yet completed a circuit of racetrack 110 are immediately disqualified and removed from racetrack 110. Referring to FIG. 4, as an example, red and black player pieces 190 are player pieces that have not yet moved into the first turn 102 of the racetrack 110. Yellow player piece 190 is a player piece that has gone completely around the track (having crossed both straight stretches 102 and both turns 106), and has now entered the straight stretch 102 for the final time (referred to as the final stretch 107). Because red and black player pieces 190 are still on the initial straight stretch 102 when yellow player piece 190 crosses onto the final stretch 107, red and black player pieces 190 are immediately disqualified and removed from racetrack 110.

Referring to FIG. 1A, if, after all moves have been awarded for a given roll of game dice 181 and 182, a single player piece 190 has gone completely around racetrack 110 and crossed the finish line 130, the player responsible for that player piece 190 is the race winner. Play then continues until second place (also called “Place”) and third place (also called “Show”) positions have been awarded. However, if, following all moves for a given roll of game dice 181 and 182, multiple player pieces 190 have gone completely around racetrack 110 and crossed the finish line 130, the result is what is called a photo-finish. In this event, ALL player pieces 190 that cross the finish line 130 on a given roll are involved in the photo-finish, except for those player pieces 190 that followed another player piece 190 across the finish line 130 in the same lane. The results of the photo-finish are determined utilizing a six-sided die 183 and the photo-finish photos 140 printed on game board 100. Photo-finish photos 140 simulate photos taken at the finish line by simulated camera 170. To determine the outcome of the photo-finish, one player rolls the six-sided day. The players then refer to photo-finish photos 140 to identify which of the photo-finish photos 140 correspond to the number rolled on the six-sided die 183. The resulting identified photo-finish photo 140 identifies for the player the win, place and show positions for the player pieces 190 involved in the photo-finish.

Referring to FIG. 5A, an example photo-finish situation according to the present embodiment is generally illustrated. FIG. 5B shows an example die roll associated with the photo-finish situation depicted in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5 c shows representative examples of photo-finish photos 140 associated with various rolls of a typical six-sided die. In FIG. 5A, four player pieces 190 are shown on racetrack 110 just prior to movement that would result from the die roll depicted in FIG. 5B. As a result of the die roll depicted in FIG. 5B, and moving the player pieces 190 consistent with the rules outlined above, two player pieces 190 (black and green) would both move across the finish line 130 once the moves associated with the results showing on the five small colored dice 182 have been made, resulting in a photo-finish. To determine the order of finish for these two player pieces 190, one player would role a typical six-sided die. The players would then examine the photo-finish photos 140, generally illustrated in FIG. 5C, to determine the order of finish. Referring to FIG. 5C, each photo-finish photo 140 depicts a different scenario of horses finishing 1^(st) (win), 2^(nd) (place), and 3^(rd) (show). Each photo-finish photo depicts one horse in the middle (middle horse), one horse to the inside of the middle horse (inside horse), and one horse to the outside of the middle hours (outside horse). In each photo-finish photo 140, one of each of the middle, inside and outside horses will be first, one will be second, and one will be third. If three player pieces 190 are involved in the photo finish, the resulting photo-finish results can simply be directly applied to the player pieces 190. For example, if the die result is a 1, the photo-finish photo 140 indicates that the middle horse is first, the outer horse is second, and the inner horse is third. Applying this to the three player pieces 190 involved in the photo-finish, the middle player piece 190 would be first, the outer player piece 190 would be second, and the inner player piece 190 would be third.

If, on the other hand (as generally illustrated in FIG. 5A) only two player pieces 190 are involved in the photo-finish, more care must be paid in aligning the photo-finish photo 140 selected by the die roll to determine the first and second place winners. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 5A, black player piece 190 on track 2 and green player piece 190 on track 3 are involved in the photo-finish. If the die roll is a 1, as noted above, photo-finish photo 140 indicates that the middle horse is first, the outer horse is second, and the inner horse is third. If we treat the green player piece 190 as the “middle” horse (and therefore the winner), there is no “outer” horse (a player piece 190 that is between the green player piece 190 and the outer area 160) remaining involved in the photo-finish to be designated as the second place finisher. Therefore, green player piece 190 cannot be designated as the first place winner. On the other hand, if we treat the black player piece 190 as the “middle” horse (and therefore the winner), there is an “outer” horse (green player piece 190 that is between the black player piece 190 and the outer area 160) remaining in the photo-finish to be designated as the second place finisher. Therefore, properly applying the results of the six-sided die roll and associated photo-finish photo 140 results in declaring the black player piece 190 as the winner (win), and the green player piece 190 as the second place finisher (place). Once this has been resolved, the remaining players would continue normal play until a third place (show) finisher has been identified.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, a method 500 for playing the horse race game according to one embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. In step 502, various game components are provided including a horse race game board with a racetrack and photo finish photos, colored horse-shaped player pieces, colored player markers, large 8-sided colored dice, small 8-sided colored dice, and a typical 6-sided die. In step 504, each of the game players selects a color to be associated with them for the game, and takes the player piece and player marker having the same color as their selected color. In step 506, the players place their colored player markers near them on or near the game surface to identify to the other players the color that is associated with them during game play. In step 508, a player rolls one large colored die and one small colored die. In step 510, a player places the player piece matching the color showing on the large colored die on the game board in the starting gate in the lane closest to the center of the racetrack that is not already occupied by another player game piece. In step 512, a player places the player piece matching the color showing on the small colored die in the starting gate in the lane closest to the center of the racetrack that is not already occupied by another player game piece. In step 514, players determine if all player game pieces have been placed in the starting gate. If not, players proceed back to step 508. If so, players continue on to step 516.

In step 516, the player associated with the player game piece located in the starting gate closest to the middle of the racetrack rolls 3 large colored dice and 5 small colored dice. In step 518, each player moves his player pieces counterclockwise around the track up to five spaces in a counterclockwise direction while remaining in the same lane for each large colored die showing that player's color, beginning with the player whose player game piece is trailing and ending with the player whose player game piece is leading. In step 520, each player moves his player pieces counterclockwise around the track up to three spaces in a counterclockwise direction while remaining in the same lane for each small colored die showing that player's color, beginning with the player whose player game piece is trailing and ending with the player whose player game piece is leading. In step 522, any remaining player whose player game piece has not moved due to the results showing on the large and small colored dice is permitted to move that player's player game piece up to one space counterclockwise around the track.

In step 524, the large and small colored dice are passed to the next player to the right of the person who previously rolled the colored dice. In step 526, the player with the dice rolls 3 large colored dice and 5 small colored dice. In step 528, each player moves his player pieces counterclockwise around the track up to five spaces in all but a backward direction for each large colored die showing that player's color, beginning with the player whose player game piece is trailing and ending with the player whose player game piece is leading. In step 530, each player moves his player pieces counterclockwise around the track up to three spaces in all but a backward direction for each small colored die showing that player's color, beginning with the player whose player game piece is trailing and ending with the player whose player game piece is leading. In step 532, the players determine if any player game piece has completed a circuit of the racetrack and entered the final stretch. If not, players return to step 524. If so, players move on to step 534, in which immediately upon any player game piece entering the final stretch after having circled the racetrack, any other player game piece that remains in the location of the final stretch without having circled the racetrack is removed from the racetrack. In step 536, players determine if any player game piece has crossed the finish line. If no player game piece has crossed the finish line during that turn, the players return to step 524. If at least one player game piece has crossed the finish line during that turn, the players proceed to step 538.

In step 538, the players determine if multiple player game pieces have crossed the finish line in that turn. If multiple player game pieces have crossed the finish line that turn, the players proceed to step 544 for a photo-finish. If not, players proceed to step 540. In step 540, the players determine the finish order for the current player game piece (first-place (win), second-place (place), third-place (show)) that has crossed the finish line based on whether any other player game pieces have already crossed the finish line during the game. In step 542, the players determine if a third-place (show) finisher has been identified. If so, the game is over. If not, the players return to step 524. If the players reach step 544, a photo finish process is initiated. In step 544, the players determine if four or more player game pieces are involved in the photo-finish. If so, the players advance to step 556. If not, the players advance to step 545. In step 545, a player rolls a typical 6-sided die. In step 546, the players identify the photo-finish photo that corresponds with the result that it showing on the 6-sided die. In step 548, if three player game pieces were involved in the photo finish (crossed the finish line on the same turn), the players identify, using the images in the selected photo-finish photo, first-place (win), second-place (place) and third-place (show) finishers, at which point the game is over.

If the players reach step 550, the players determine if two player game pieces were involved in the photo-finish and a first-place (win) finisher has previously been identified. If so, the players identify, using the images in the selected photo, second-place (place) and third-place (show) finishers, at which point the game is over.

If the players reach step 552, the players determine if two player game pieces were involved in the photo-finish and a first-place (win) finisher has not been previously identified. If this is the case, the players identify, using the images from the selected photo-finish photo, first-place (win) and second place (show) finishers. In step 554, the players determine if a third-place finisher has been identified. If not, the players return to step 524. If so, the game is over.

If the players reach step 556, indicating that a photo-finish has occurred involving four or more player game pieces, the players determine the final outcome by one of the three following steps, selected by the players: A. Consider the race result to be a 4, 5, or 6-way dead heat, and divide the “winnings” among the 4, 5, or 6 player game pieces involved in the photo-finish; or B. Roll a single large die sequentially until all but three of the finishing player game pieces are eliminated (a player game piece is eliminated when its color is rolled), and then roll a typical 6-sided die to resolve the photo-finish for the remaining three player game pieces; or C. Treat the result as two separate photo-finishes of two player game pieces each, two separate photo-finishes of two player game pieces and three player game pieces, or two separate photo-finishes of three player game pieces each, depending on the number of player game pieces involved in the photo-finish.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, there may be more or fewer than eight lanes, colored dice having more or fewer than eight sides, dice having colors different than those described in the preferred embodiment of the invention, game boards composed of materials other than the materials of the preferred embodiment, player game pieces having colors other than those of the preferred embodiment and made of materials and in shapes other than those of the preferred embodiment, and more or few players than those disclosed in the preferred embodiments. In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the game board has eight lanes, includes illustrations and symbols associated with racing at a dog track, and has player pieces shaped to look like dogs. In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, player game pieces not associated with a player may be placed on the board and moved around the board according to the results of the colored dice but without changing lanes. In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the number of spaces moved in conjunction with various sizes of the multi-colored dice may be changed. In yet another embodiment of the invention, more than two sizes of colored dice may be used. In yet another embodiment, more or fewer of each of each size of colored dice may be employed. In still another embodiment of the invention, the position of the starting gate may be altered. In still another embodiment, extra horses (beyond the number of players) may be removed from the track and colored die rolls associated with the removed horses can be ignored. In still another embodiment of the invention additional six-sided dice may be provided, along with corresponding additional photo-finish photographs, to provide for additional variety in resolving photo-finish situations. In yet another alternative embodiment, a photo-finish wheel similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,709 issued to Richard G. Smolka is provided and utilized to determine the winners in various photo-finish situations.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims. 

1. An animal racing board game for a plurality of players, the animal racing board game comprising: a game board having a simulated race track visible on the surface of the game board, the simulated race track comprising multiple track lanes divided into multiple increments; a plurality of player game pieces corresponding to players of the game and configured to represent an animal, each player game piece having a different color predominately visible on the surface of the player game piece, wherein each player game piece is configured to substantially fit within the confines of an increment and be moved among the multiple increments by players; at least one first-size multi-sided die for generating a random color when rolled, wherein at least two sides of said die have different colors, and wherein at least two of the colors of said die correspond to the colors of at least two of said player game pieces; at least one second-size multi-sided die of a size different from said first-size multi-sided die for generating a random color when rolled, wherein at least two sides of said second-size multi-sided die have different colors, and wherein at least two of the colors of said second-size multi-sided die correspond to the colors of at least two of said player game pieces; and, a typical six-sided die.
 2. The animal racing board game of claim 1, wherein a plurality of player game pieces corresponding to players of the game and configured to represent a horse.
 3. The animal racing board game of claim 1, wherein said game board is collapsible.
 4. The animal racing board game of claim 3, wherein said game board is collapsible by being rolled up.
 5. The animal racing board game of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said first-size multi-sided dice and a plurality of said second-size multi-sided dice.
 6. The animal racing board game of claim 1, wherein said game board further comprises representations of animals visible on the surface of said game board, said representations of animals being configured to assist in determining a finish order of game players.
 7. The animal racing board game of claim 6 further comprising data visible in the vicinity of said representations of animals, said data corresponding to numbers shown on a typical six-sided die.
 8. The animal racing board game of claim 1, wherein said game board further comprises representations of an infield area, starting gates, a finish line, two straight stretches, and four turns.
 9. The animal racing board game of claim 1, wherein said player game pieces are formed in the shape of an animal.
 10. The animal racing board game of claim 1, further comprising player markers, each player marker corresponding to at least one player, and each player marker further having the same color as at least one player gamepiece.
 11. A method for playing an animal racing board game for a plurality of players, comprising the steps of: providing a game board having a simulated race track visible on the surface of the game board, the simulated race track comprising multiple track lanes divided into multiple increments; providing a plurality of player game pieces corresponding to players of the game and configured to represent an animal, each player game piece having a different color predominately visible on the surface of the player game piece, wherein each player game piece is configured to substantially fit within the confines of an increment and be moved among the multiple increments by players; providing at least one first-size multi-sided die for generating a random color when rolled, wherein at least two sides of said die have different colors, and wherein at least two of the colors of said die correspond to the colors of at least two of said player game pieces; providing at least one second-size multi-sided die of a size different from said first-size multi-sided die for generating a random color when rolled, wherein at least two sides of said second-size multi-sided die have different colors, wherein at least two of the colors of said second-size multi-sided die correspond to the colors of at least two of said player game pieces; providing a typical six-sided die; following a set of instructions by the plurality of players to determine the placement of player game pieces, the movement of player game pieces, and the winner of the animal racing board game, the set of instructions comprising: rolling the multi-sided dice by at least one of the plurality of players for generating random colors; placing player game pieces on the game board at initial locations responsive to the colors generated by the multi-sided dice; rolling the multi-sided dice subsequent to placing the player game pieces on the game board at initial locations by at least one of the plurality of players for generating random colors; moving at least one player game piece at least one increment responsive to the roll of the multi-sided dice, the number of increments moved being a function of both the color generated and size of the die on which the color is shown; continuing the steps of rolling the multi-sided dice and moving player game pieces until at least one player game piece crosses the finish line; and rolling a typical six-sided die to determine the winner in the event of a photo-finish.
 12. A horse racing board game for a plurality of players, the horse racing board game comprising: a planar, collapsible game board having a simulated race track visible on the surface of the game board, the simulated race track comprising multiple track lanes divided into multiple increments, wherein said game board is collapsible by being rolled; a plurality of player game pieces corresponding to players of the game and configured in the shape of a horse, each player game piece having a different color predominately visible on the surface of the player game piece, wherein each player game piece is configured to substantially fit within the confines of an increment and be moved among the multiple increments by players responsive to a roll of multi-sided colored dice; at least one first-size eight-sided die for generating a random color when rolled, each side having a different color, wherein each of the colors of said die corresponds to a color of a different player game piece; at least one second-size eight-sided die of a size different from said first-size eight-sided die for generating a random color when rolled, each side having a different color, wherein each of the colors of said second-size eight-sided die corresponds to a color of a different player game piece; and, a typical six-sided die. 